CR: Tortuguero

We arrived in San Jose Costa Rica on Nov 30. The first full day in Costa Rica included white water rafting (photos to come later) in the morning and an adventurous transfer to Tortuga Lodge in Tortuguero (located on a river near Caribbean Ocean) in the afternoon. Our journey to Tortuga Lodge included a "Costa Rican Massage Road" (very slow and bumpy) and a 1.5 hour speedy boat trip. On our second day in Tortuguero we enjoyed a more leisurely boat trip into the National Park were we saw amazing wildlife in the jungle. Day 3 we took a Cessna from the small airstrip across the river from the lodge and flew back to San Jose (continuing on via van to Arenal). In between we thoroughly enjoyed the hospitality (and food!) at the lodge and played many hours of dominoes overlooking the river. No swimming in the river or ocean is advised here -- due to bull sharks and crocodiles. We did glimpse a river otter but did not see the manatees that reside near by. NOTE: I have tried to identify as many of the birds and animals; however, if you have any suggestions or corrections -- please chime in using the "comment" mode.